Reasons to Invest in a Home Security System

Reason to Invest in a Home Security System - Sacramento

Reasons to Invest in a Home Security System in Sacramento

When becoming a new homeowner or moving into a new home, one essential investment you should consider making is installing a home security system. Even with additions such as the Ring, Vivint, and Nest, it gets the job done to ensure that your home is protected. In recent years, smart home technology has allowed many Sacramento homeowners the opportunity to keep tabs on their home while they’re away. So, here are some reasons to invest in home security system. 

Protect Your Family 

Your top priority is making sure that your family is safe from any intrusions. Whether you are at home or in the office, you want to make that your loved ones and belongings are protected from trespassers. Many audio and video companies in Sacramento can agree that a having a security camera system will protect your home. 

Distance Monitoring 

Today, most security systems come equipped with 24-hour surveillance through the app on your phone. All you need to do is a simple download. Enjoy your vacation and be able to check in here and there to see if the dog sitter came by or if the kids are having a fun time at home. Furthermore, you will be alerted of suspicious activity inside and out of your home and will be able to scare off intruders from the premises. Be able to talk through the security to have them running away and scared. Ultimately, the sight of just seeing your system will have them discouraged. 

Scare Away Intruders 

Seeing the type of sign or cameras installed outside of your home will do enough to have intruders think twice before trying to walk on your property. With newer technology in the systems, spook the invaders by talking to them. As an example, Nest security systems have a whistle installed to put people on high alert. This scares them away once they step on the premises and conduct suspicious activities. Make sure you never want to see these people ever again. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, who offer garage door repair in Sacramento, says that having a security system does help keep intruders from accessing your home. In fact, many intruders try to break in through the garage door or side door.

At Specialized AV, we provide a wide variety of security camera systems. Furthermore, one of our favorite  brands is ELAN. Contact Specialized Audio and Video for more information on our products.   

Reduce Homeowners Insurance Cost 

Once you become a homeowner, you must have an insurance policy. Additionally, the cost of home insurance depends on the home protecting issues, coverage, payment plans, insurance company, and other things. Our Sacramento audio and video experts point out that you can reduce your insurance cost by 10-20% with a security system already installed. 

Peace of Mind 

Knowing that your home is firmly secured and your loved ones are being kept safe will have you at a better peace. No one enjoys the stress of having to worry all the time. So, having a home security system gives you a breath of relief. 

Contact Specialized AV 

So, now that you understand the reasons to invest in home security system, you can decide if it’s for you. If you are looking for home security installation, Specialized Audio and Video are here to help. Our talented team is dedicated to helping you provide the products in keeping an eye on your home from intruders and having your family stay safe. To learn about our service and get a quote, please get in touch with Specialized AV today. We are happy to serve the Greater Sacramento area. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with our latest news!

Why Smart Home Automation Provides Peace of Mind

why smart home automation provides peace of mind - Roseville

Top Reasons Why Smart Homes Provide Peace of Mind

Ever left your home, wondering if you locked your door or closed your garage? You’re not the only one. So many of our customers love having a smart home just for that reason alone! Smart home automation allows you to check on your home when you’re not there. Ease your mind while you are away with smart home automation. In this article, our Sacramento audio and video experts share the top reasons why smart homes provide peace of mind.

Investing in Smart Home Automation

If this is your first experience with a smart home automation system, you will be shocked at how much it can accomplish. From sending real-time notifications to altering your thermostats, smart home technology has it all. Your smart home can be a huge help for busy families. Below are a few reasons why smart homes provide peace of mind to Sacramento homeowners. 

Here are a few of the most notable features of our home automation system:

Smart Home Security

Many people are using technology to protect their property. With smart locks, you can receive real-time information via text or email when people come and go to your home. You’ll also have the ability to generate individual user codes, which will allow you to keep track of who is coming and exiting at all times. This is a great option for teens, visitors, or anyone else you’d feel comfortable allowing access to your property. Our friends at Maid for Muddy Paws, a residential cleaning company in Magnolia, TX, say smart lock doors are perfect for their customers because they provide peace of mind after a visit. 

Home Automation

Lights, locks, thermostats, and sensors can all communicate with one another with relative ease. You can set your thermostat to a lower setting while you’re at work during the day, or you can receive a reminder if you forget to set your alarm after you leave the house in the morning.

Prevent Access 

Intruders can get access through a variety of entrance points, including doors, windows, and garage doors. If you forget to close a door, window, or garage door, your smart home security system will send you a notification. 

Security Camera Systems 

Video surveillance is used to keep track of things. Is it possible to keep an eye on your property while you’re away on vacation? You can watch live streaming videos in real-time. You’ll also receive video notifications if motion is detected, a door is opened, or an alarm is activated.  

When motion is detected, this high-powered motion sensor will capture an image and send it to you. Do you have any pets? No problem, we have a pet immunity function that prevents Max from setting off the sensors every time he travels to a new napping location. When you’re away from home, you can dim the lights, play some soft music, or just adjust the temperature on your thermostat.

Smart Thermostat

Manage your energy use while keeping your family comfortable with a Smart Thermometer that measures energy consumption around your home and optimizes for the most pleasant temperature. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a Minnesota company that offers HVAC services, highly recommend smart thermostats for anyone who lives in areas that get over 100 degrees in the summer. You’ll be able to save money on your heating and cooling bill. 

Water Management

If you’ve ever returned home to a burst pipe or a malfunctioning washing machine, you understand what a disaster it can be. Our smart home technology can notify you of sump pump failures, irrigation malfunctions, and other water-related issues, allowing you to prevent further damage.

Contact Specialized Audio and Video

As you can see, smart homes provide peace of mind. They make managing a busy household a lot easier. If you’re interested in smart home automation services in Sacramento, contact us today! We’re happy to answer all your questions. 

 

Signs It’s Time To Upgrade to a Home Theater

Signs It's time to upgrade to a home theater- Sacramento CA

Five Signs It’s Time to Upgrade to a Home Theater

There’s nothing quite like having the house that everyone loves to come together at. Whether it be birthdays, holidays, or weekend events, it’s important to be proud of the home you’re in—a place where you can make new memories with the whole group. Home theaters have become increasingly popular, allowing families and friends to get together without going to the theater. But how do you make the decision to invest in a home theater system? Well, if you’re on the fence about it, consider these five signs it’s time to upgrade to a home theater. You can always contact Specialized Audio and Video in Sacramento for an estimate on our professional audio and video services. 

You’re Ready for The Financial Investment

While you’re eager to have your home theater up and running, it’s a good idea to budget for a home project like this. You’ll need a new television, surround sound, home theater chairs, and more. The average cost for professional wiring a home theater’s components is about $400. Of course, this can increase based on the size of your room and the components that will be necessary to complete the project.

Your Television is Outdated

Today, 4K TVs are the new best thing. If you haven’t purchased a new smart TV in the last year, it’s likely your television is already outdated. 4K is the new HD, and it’s definitely what it’s all cracked up to be. Our video equipment specialists highly recommend making the upgrade for your new home theater. The type of television you choose will make or break your new home theater. Read our most recent blog post about the Pros and Cons About UHD TVs.

If you’re hoping for a screen larger than 80″, you might want to think about investing in a home theater projector instead. It’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need a clean, white surface to project the image upon. If you have the necessary space, a projector will transform your room into a theater-like environment. Also, think about how you’ll exhibit your films to your audience. If you’re streaming, be sure your internet connection is up to speed.

Time for Better Surround Sound

Having the most up-to-date technology to produce the greatest picture possible is one component of a fantastic home theater, but having movies with excellent sound is the other component. If you’re in the market for a new sound system, it might be time to consider upgrading your living room to a home theater. One reason is that your movie sound can be contained in a single dedicated room rather than being broadcast across the entire house. Ensure that your room is soundproofed before cranking up the volume. This will ensure that you and your visitors can enjoy the movie without disturbing anyone else.

After that, you’ll want to locate a sound system that’s appropriate for your needs. Consider investing in surround sound since it will make you feel as if you are truly in the movie you are now watching. Contact Specialized Audio and Video to learn more about our audio and video products.

Ready for a Designated Space to Relax

Installing a home theater really elevates the overall house. Many Sacramento homes are designed to have the kitchen and living room connected. This can take away from the home theater experience. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a home remodeling company in Fox Valley, highly recommend investing in this home renovation project. This can raise the value of your home. Plus, who wouldn’t want a home theater? Investing in a home theater will give you a designated space to relax and unwind with family and friends. Finding the ideal seats might even make going to the movies a much more enjoyable experience than going to a regular movie theater. Our audio and video experts can help you custom design your home theater however you’d like.

Ready to Be the Hostess With The Mostest

With a home theater, you’ll most likely be the place where everyone wants to be. If you’re ready to host fun and engaging gatherings, it’s time to consider investing in a home theater system. Are you the type of family who loves watching the latest movies and television series? You need a new home theater! Pro tip: In order to truly replicate the theater experience, consider investing in a popcorn machine so that you may have a freshly popped snack while watching your show. 

Contact Specialized Audio and Video

Whatever the motivation may be, a home theater is a fantastic upgrade that will provide years of entertainment for friends and family. In your new home theater, you may relax and watch your favorite movie in luxury. Are you interested in home theater system installation? Specialized AV can help you with your audio and video needs. Contact us today to schedule an estimate!

 

Smart Locks for a Keyless Home

smart locks for keyless home - Sacramento audio and video - Sacramento CA

Smart Locks for a Keyless Home

About Smart Locks for a Keyless Home

In this day and age, smart locks are the new normal, whether it’s a keyless push-to-start vehicle or a keyless entry to your home. Smart locks eliminate the need to carry around your keys. With a simple code or app, you can unlock your front door within seconds. In this article, our smart home automation experts discuss smart locks for a keyless home. 

What to Look for When Purchasing Smart Locks

Knowing the many types of electronic door locks will help you decide the best smart locks for a keyless home. In the event of a battery or technical failure, most electronic locks will still have a physical key option. Several of the locks will also offer a combination of keyless options, making them worth every penny.

Bluetooth Smart Locks

Bluetooth smart locks provide a variety of locking options. The device can detect when you’re within a certain range and unlock the door automatically as you approach. You can also use your phone or key fob to unlock the door. Bluetooth consumes little energy, allowing it to run for longer periods of time on a single charge. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, who offer garage door services, say most homes have several Bluetooth smart devices. It’s easy to access everything from your phone. 

Biometric Smart Locks

Fingerprint entry can be incredibly convenient, especially for small organizations that want to ensure that only authorized staff has access to sensitive information or pricey products. They are simple to program and frequently support up to 100 fingerprints.

RFID Smart Locks

This strategy is most common in workplaces. It enables the use of a key fob or card to open doors. The fob/card must be pressed against the RFID reader in most cases, but others can be opened from a distance.

Keypad Smart Locks

To unlock the door, keypads require a pin number. They are simple to set up and allow you to assign multiple pin numbers to different people or alter the pin code at any moment, making them ideal for landlords. When a renter’s lease expires, just replace the pin code with a new one for the next renter. The majority of keypads these days are touchscreen. However, a handful will still have physical keys to press.

Wi-Fi Connected Smart Locks

Some locking systems can be linked to a hub, enabling Wi-Fi connectivity and increasing functionality. With a Wi-Fi-enabled lock, you can simply track who opens and closes the door.

Smart Locks: Homeowners, Renters, & Business Owners 

Within the last year, the crime rate in Sacramento has risen, which is why it’s crucial to keeping your home and family protected. Smart locks are an excellent way to ensure that your front door is locked and that you get no more surprise visitors. Did you know that burglars say they will target another home if they discover a security system or smart home keyless home entry? If you’re planning on installing smart home automation products like smart locks, you should keep in mind that it is different for homeowners and renters. 

If You Own a House or Commercial Building

You don’t have to worry about which smart locks you put on your doors if you own your home. As the homeowner, you can do whatever you want with your property. If you’re looking to upgrade to a keyless option, try to find a smart lock that has the above features. This can also be said for commercial property owners. Our friends at Headwaters Construction, Inc., a general contractor Sacramento, highly recommends getting smart locks for your property since it adds value. So, if you ever decide to sell or rent, smart locks are a great feature.

If You Rent Your House or Commercial Building

If you live in a rental home or lease a building, it doesn’t mean you can’t install smart locks. It simply means you’ll have to go through a little more trouble to do so. When you decide to change the locks on your rental property, most landlords will ask you to supply them with a key. As a result, if you decide to put smart locks on your rental property, you should first call your landlord and find out what they require.

You may wish to provide evidence for your reasons for wanting to install smart locks. Then, if the landlord agrees to let you put smart locks on the rental property, make sure you obtain it in writing. This will keep you from having to pay for any alleged damages when you leave.

Types of Smart Locks 

As you could imagine, there are several different types of smart door locks available on the market. To help you choose which smart lock you prefer, continue reading below. 

  • Keypad & Combination Smart Locks – These require a pin or code to get into your home but can also be opened via key. Many new homes in the Sacramento area have keypad locks. 
  • Keyless & Wireless Smart Locks – This type of lock is operated off of Wi-Fi. Users can unlock and lock the door remotely with your app or button. Some are even compatible with Alexa. 
  • Fob Enabled Smart Lock – As you may have guessed, these types of locks use a key-fob to unlock the door. Just hold the fob up to the door, and the door will unlock. 
  • Fingerprint & Biometric Smart Locks – These smart locks are less common than others. However, smart fingerprint locks are one of the newer creations. Your fingerprint ensures that no one can get into your door without you.

 

Contact Specialized Audio and Video

As you can see, smart locks are a great feature to have in your home. They make coming and going from your home easy! If you’re interested in smart locks or smart home automation installation, contact Specialized AV today. Our team is happy to help with all kinds of audio and video services, security systems, Wi-Fi networks, structured wiring, and more. We proudly serve the Greater Sacramento area and beyond.